Executive Director

Kamilah holds a Master’s degree in public history from the University of West Georgia, a Bachelor’s degree in history from the University of West Georgia, and a Museum Studies certificate from the Atlanta History Center. McElwee brings more than 12 years of museum and nonprofit experience, including prior service as Museum Manager at Chieftains Museum and most recently as Operations Manager at The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History.

Museum Manager

Bella has a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Berry College. She brings 3 years of museum experience from her time at Oak Hill and the Martha Berry Museum as the Collections Technician, and previously volunteered at Chieftains as an Archival Collections Intern.

PRESIDENT

Current Profession: Assistant Director of Day Admission, PK-5 at Darlington School

Professional Experience: Strings teacher 3rd – 8th grade

Hobbies: anything my children are involved in. I am a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church.

I grew up in Charlottesville, VA. I am married to Tripp Bagby, and we have two sons – Will (20) and Chandler (17). I’ve lived in Rome for 30 years this fall. I came to Rome to attend Shorter College (and be close to my grandmother), met my husband and stayed. I love this town!

I grew up in an area full of history, so I am naturally drawn to anything historic. I was introduced to Chieftains through the Junior Service League of Rome, and have enjoyed being a part of it ever since.

TREASURER

SECRETARY

Current Profession: Retired Dean of College Guidance at Darlington School

Professional Experience: Former President, Southern Association for College Admission Counseling; Board of Directors, National Association for College Admission Counseling; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools; Chairman, Board of Directors, South Rome Development Corporation

I am currently serving on the Board of Directors, Rome Symphony Orchestra and the City of Rome Historic Preservation Commission

Hobbies: travel, especially to the United Kingdom, avid reader of spy thrillers, murder mysteries, political dramas, and English novels.

I was born in Rome in 1945. Left after college for Florida (1967-82) and returned in 1982. I have been interested in Cherokee history since childhood. My dad took me to lots of Cherokee sites in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee

Current Profession: Realtor at Hardy Realty

Professional Experience: Former international event planner

Hobbies: cooking, walking, tennis

I am from Rome and have one child.